Maintenance
Freezing Pipes: Provided the home is heated at a normal level, pipes should not freeze at temperatures above 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat should be set at 65 degrees if you are away during winter months and it is advisable to open cabinets, let water drip, and cover exterior faucets. Please take these same precautions if the temperature drops below 25 degrees.
Garage doors should be kept closed as much as possible to protect plumbing lines, which may run through this area.
In unusually frigid weather, or if you will be gone more than a day or two, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
If your pipes should freeze, turn your water off. When pipes freeze, they usually burst. If pipes should thaw while the water is on, an enormous amount of damage to your home may result.
An ordinary hair dryer can be used to thaw pipes that are frozen. Never use an open flame. Should you have a broken pipe as a result of a freeze, please contact your insurance carrier, as this is non-warrantable.
It is necessary to disconnect water hoses during freezing weather as a small amount of water is held in the spigot and will freeze and cause the pipe to burst inside the wall or crawlspace.
Aerators: Even though your plumbing lines have been flushed out to remove dirt and foreign matter, there are usually small amounts of minerals that enter the line. Aerators on the faucets strain much of these minerals from your water. Aerators may need to be removed and cleaned from time to time.
Fiberglass Tubs/Showers: Do not use abrasives to clean tubs and showers. Use non-abrasive cleaners designed for fiberglass.
Care and Cleaning: Follow manufacturer’s directions for cleaning fixtures. A non-abrasive or liquid detergent is usually recommended.
Porcelain: A sharp blow from a heavy object can damage porcelain enamel. It can also be scratched. If paint is splattered onto the porcelain enamel surfaces during redecorating, it should be wiped up immediately. If some spots have dried before being noticed, use a recommended solvent.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel sinks should be cleaned with soap and water to preserve their luster. Do not use abrasive cleaners; these will damage the finish.
An occasional cleaning with a good stainless steel cleaner will enhance the finish. Care should be taken to avoid leaving product on a stainless steel surface, since prolonged contact can stain the finish.
Fixtures: Clean plumbing fixtures with a soft sponge and soapy water, and then polish with a soft dry cloth. Drying with a soft cloth or towel will prevent water spots.
Toilets: When cleaning the outside of your toilet, wash with mild, soapy water, rinse thoroughly with clear water and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid detergents, disinfectants, or cleaning products in aerosol cans. Never use abrasive scouring powders or abrasive pads on your toilet seat. Some bathroom chemicals and cosmetics may damage the seat’s finish.
Toilet Seat Cover: Do not stand on the toilet seat cover. It is not designed for this purpose and may crack.
Tank Care: Similarly, avoid exposing the toilet to blows from sharp or heavy objects; this can cause chipping or cracking. Avoid abnormal pressures against the sides of the tank. It is possible to crack the tank at the points where it is attached to the bowl.
Do not use in-tank cleaners. Products containing chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) can seriously damage fittings in the tank. This damage can cause leakage and property damage.
Shower Doors: Clean shower glass with a window squeegee to prevent water spotting. Some glass cleaners can damage metal shower door frame finish. Check with manufacturer for specific recommendations.
Low Pressure: It will occasionally be necessary to remove and clean the aerators on faucets to allow proper flow of water; normally, every three to four months is sufficient.
Plumbing Leaks: If a major plumbing leak occurs, the first step is to turn off the supply of water to the area involved. This may mean shutting off the water to the entire home. Then contact the plumbing contractor who installed the system in your home. Their name and number are typically displayed on the water heater.
If the carpet has become soaked, pull up the carpet from the tack strip and remove the wet portion of the pad. Use a fan to dry the carpet. Arrange the carpet to allow air to circulate around and through it.
Running Toilet: Check the chain on the flush handle. If it is too tight it will prevent the rubber stopper at the bottom of the tank from sealing, resulting in running water. Also, avoid the use of in-tank cleaners. Products containing chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) can seriously damage fittings in the tank, causing them to leak and the toilet to run.
Clogs: Many plumbing clogs are caused by improper garbage disposal use. Always use plenty of cold water when running the disposal. This applies to grease also. Supplied with a steady flow of cold water, the grease congeals and is cut up by the blades. If you use hot water, the grease remains a liquid, then cools and solidifies in the sewer line. Allow the water to run a minimum of 15 seconds after shutting off the disposal.
The main cause of toilet clogs is almost always some domestic item, such as paper diapers, excessive amounts of toilet paper or the wrong type of paper, sanitary supplies, Q-tips, dental floss, children’s toys, etc. Depending on the cause, a toilet can usually be cleared with a plunger or drain snake.
If a plumbing main line becomes clogged, waste water will back up into the nearest drain such as the drain in the garage, a bath tub, or toilet. If this happens, it’s usually necessary to call in a professional. See below for recommendations.
Water Heater
Carefully read manufacturer’s literature for your specific model of water heater.
Safety: The area around all water heaters should be vacuumed as needed. The top of all water heaters should never be used as a storage shelf. Do not store boxes, etc. within three feet of a water heater. Do not block outside air intakes.
Temperature: Set the water heater thermostat at the recommended setting; higher settings waste energy and may cause bodily injury. The recommended thermostat setting for normal everyday use is “normal” on gas models.
Limited Warranty
Clogs: A clog in the main drain is usually the result of something that has been flushed and become stuck in the line. This is very rarely a warranty issue, so you need to contact a company that specializes in drain cleaning (Roto-Rooter, etc). DO NOT contact the plumber that installed the system, as they do not have the equipment to clear a main line clog.
If you suspect a construction defect to be the cause of the backup, then you should contact a company with the ability to RECORD VIDEO of the drain clearing process (Roto-Rooter can do this). If video evidence is provided showing that the clog was caused by a construction defect, Blackrock Homes will reimburse you for the cost of the service. YOU MUST OBTAIN A VIDEO RECORDING – Blackrock Homes will not reimburse based on speculation.
Leaks: Blackrock Homes will repair warrantable leaks in the plumbing system. If a plumbing leak caused by a warranted item results in drywall or floor covering damage, Blackrock Homes will repair this. No adjustments will be made for incidental or consequential damages (wallpaper, drapes, personal belongings, etc.). Homeowner insurance should cover these items.
Cosmetic Damage: Any fixture damage noted on the Home Orientation List will be repaired. Chips, scratches, etc., reported subsequent to the Home Orientation List will not be repaired. Homeowner is responsible for following manufacturer’s directions for the care and cleaning of fixtures and fiberglass products.
Exterior Faucets: Hose bibs should be protected during periods of extreme cold. Hoses must be removed after each use during freezing temperatures. If a hose is left attached, the small amount of water that remains in the hose bib will freeze and expand, causing a break inside the wall. Blackrock Homes will repair any problems with the faucets noted on the Pre-settlement List.